Question for the early season high country hunters who use internal frame packs like the Eberlestock, Badlands, Mystery Ranch etc:
How do you keep them clean and somewhat scent free during and after a game pack-out? I've used my I.F. in the late season, and kept the game-bagged meat in large plastic bags to keep the interior somewhat clean, but i'm not sure if this is a good plan in the early season (less air circulation, etc.).
Until now i've used an external frame in the early season, but would prefer to use my I.F.
Thanks.
If I'm packing I bone my meat and put it in game bags. I use the Eberlestock Blue Widow pack which has a center compartment with a mesh front on it. I just place my game bags in there and strap it tight. Plain old water clean up when I get home and any minor blood stains came right out.
Not really a problem for me, and I don't worry about it. When I carry that pack is with the hope of getting a little blood on it! :thumbsup:
Nothing wrong with putting the meat in plastic while you're packing it out, just put in breathable game bags when you get back to camp or your truck. The less time in plastice the better. As for cleaning the pack, a soft brush, some unscented laundry detergent and a hose will do the trick. Spray, scrub, rinse, hang upside down to dry. Good luck getting it bloody!
If the meat is fully cooled packing and even leaving it in plastic shouldn't be a problem. If it isn't cooled, pack it in plastic and then remove for cooling when you get to the truck.